Insect excluding compartment



July 5, 1949. c. c. POTTER INSECT EXCLUDING COMPARTMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 7, 1946 July 5, 1949- c. c. POTTER .INSECT EXCLUDING COMPARTMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 7, 1946 (f/mung 6. P0779;

from wanderi- I provide an insectexcluding netti n g whichiis sup-' partm he i e i qn- Patented July 5, 1949 was. N SECTLEXQLUDIN r W RZBWW Chauncey C. liotter washington AP Q Q J n a 7, 19%; erial iN -l 3th The presentin vention relates to a device for *encasing an infantor an adult so as to exclude insects, reptiles, rodents and the like from'the interior of the device and accordingly from the presence of the occupant of thecompartment. l

An object oftheinvention is to provide a device withinwhich an infantor an invalid mayuobtain "the beneficial rays of the sun and fresh air while being protected from ants, flie s, mosquitoes andparticularly disease-carrying insects and thesl enclosure further serves to prevent an infant g from the saietyof the p rotective compartment.

A more speciiic 'ob jectrof the inventionis to ported in: a canopy-likefashion to provide a relativelylarge compartmentwhich maybe readily erected at any convenient place without the use of auxiliary elements suchas stakes, ropesand the'like and at the same, time providing a relay tively stable compartment that will not collapse upon the occupant.

A; still further object of the invention is to c provide an insect and rodent excluding compartment within which an adultmay sleep outdoors at night with safety and within which soldiers serving-in the tropical areas are protected from "disease-carrying flies and mosquitoes.

A further and more detailed object oi theinvention pertainsto the shape of the flaps ofv the insect-excluding, netting which extend from the sides and ends ofthe botto mscreenqand the flaps redeta bly J ined l h e s edges to provide an arched canopy including resil-ient arched supports which k render the bottom rela 'tively rigid and provides a structure whichmay be readily'dismountedand the flaps folded over 7 the bottom me nber and then bearrangedin a 'compact rcll for, convenient storage and transportation.

Other objects and features of the inventicnwi l be apparent asthe disclosure proceeds and upon consideration of the accompanying drawings and the following detailed descriptionwherein several exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

In t e raw n E s a ex 'esti wv fa o e t ve cp n evins er p e; lls n em i F a perspe t ve iew l ustr n he a fo iaflabs.

3 isa transversehsectional viewcf oneof in open positioniand showing arched'supports th a S pp illusiteimsthamatinee 1 11 a Claims. {c1 lest-1r c he hookscarried by a flap is as- "sociatedtherewith.

Rig 4' is a secticnal View of the bottom structure and: aportionoi-anend flap taken onthe line l-*4 of*Eig.2

Fig, 5--is a fragmentaryplan view of one ofthe which one oft;

- archedsupports showing a hinged joint therein.

flFigwG is a perspective view illustrating the anner in whioh tliedevice may be foldedand rolled into a compact form.

Fig. '7 is a perspective viewillustrating a modificationon a sin aller scale. k

-A structure exhibiting the invention comprises a bottomf member 23 l which includes an insectexcluding i netting su'ch as" an open mesh screen. i

"The nettingproviding a part of the bottom member may be for'rned of wirejscreen or of synthetic materialsuch as-plastic screen and particularly a screen fabric-"woven 'froni vinyli'dene' chloride fiber and-sold under the trade name of Lumite.

The screen or netting may 'beof any suitable '25 e n l upon-the size of the occupant or occupants. If

i mesh such asone formed of twenty weft and ywarpstrands to the inch. The overall shape of Y the bottom member is; generally'rectangular and may becftany suitable-dimensions depending the device is intended to provide protection for an infant am yib made relatively smaller in both lateral and longitudinaldimensions, whereas if the-compartment is tobe usedby an adult, it may have an ap ropriate length to provide for the unhampered-relaxation therein.

The bottom member "includes reinforcement 1 forthescreenwhichmaybe ofanysuitable charenter such as a plurality or longitudinally extendingstrips l3; Thestrips l3- may-be formed-of canvas or any suitable textile material so as to I provide adequate strengthffor the bottom'mem- 40 v y y H v ofthe device: and at spaced intervals lengthwise beru The bottom "member. preferably includes a plurality ofsslats or bars llarranged transversely ofthe bottom'member as shown inFigs. 1 and 2. The:slatswli mayibe formed of wood and are preferablycisuch small "size as to reduce the overall weight of the assembly. "The screen forming thevbottom closure is arranged over the reinforcing-strips ilsanditheiscreen and the strips laarestacked omotherwise: secured to thelslats.

The screenvand' the reinforcing material may be stapledtogthe slatsasishewn-inllig. 1-.

A. structure embodying theflfinv entiona includes end flaps ligand lliasshownin Fig.2. The end flaps l5 and I]; areipreierably formedintegral with the screen on netting,v of th-ehottommember Retai s arcade edges Hill ment and the device includes means for sup:

porting the flaps to form such a canopy. In'the' embodiment illustrated in Figs. and 2 a supporting member extends upwardly from one corner of the bottom member 23 and' arches to a diagonally opposite cornen, Another arched member 2!] extends from a third"co'rn'er of the bottom member to an opposite diagonal: corner as clearly illustrated'in Fig. 2. These arched supports cross atapointabove the approximate center of the bottom member. The arched members 20 may be formed ofany resilient material such as spring steel and; are illustrated in .the

exemplary embodiment as having-a relatively flat cross section. The ends of the arched members 20 are seated in suitable socketmernbers 2|. The

socket members may be formed with recesses to receive the end of the arched springs 20. The socket members 2I are secured to the slats [2 at "the ends of the'bottom member.

It will be observed from a consideration of Fig. 2 that the lateral edges of the end flaps l5 and I! are arcuate and converge towards each A other to form asubstantially pointed end spaced from the associated end of the bottominember as clearly shown by the flap 15. The curvature of the marginal edges of the end flaps correspond substantially to the. inward convergence of the arched supports 20 when these flaps lie therealong. The side flaps l4 and I6 also have arcuate shaped marginal edges which converge towards each other in proceeding outwardly from a side of the bottom -member. The. curvature of .the

edges of the sidefiaps asshown by the side flap I4 in Fig. 2 also corresponds to. the curvature of the arched supports 20. Thus when the end flaps and the side flaps are arranged over the arched supports-20 an edge of the side flap l4 and an edge of the end flap.l5 will lie adjacent each other and along the leg portion 3| of the arched support. Likewise an edge of the end flap I"! will lie-along the other edge of the side flap [4 and these contiguous edges will also lie along the leg-32 of another arched support 20. The other edges of the side flap it will also lie alongthe edges of the end flaps I5=and I1.- V

The side edges of the screenflaps are preferablybound to finish the edge of the screen and 'to provide reinforcement therealong. This reinforcing andbinding may be-formed of suitable textile material such as canvas stitched or otherwise secured to the screen or netting. The binding material'also provides meansfor'attaching strips carrying the elements I8 ofslide fasteners.

- The sliders or the means for causing engagement of-the elementsofthe'slide fasteners are illus trated at I9- in the drawings." 'Thus when the slide fasteners are closed 'thd'Si'defiaps' I4 and I6 and the end flaps l5 and I1 will form an arched canopy asshown in 'Figyl' and'the detachably joined edges of the flaps will lie along and over the archeds'upports 2 0. v

In erecting the-device the arched resilient straps 20 arearranged in position in recesses of the socket members 2| and a mattress (not shown) of suitable dimensions may be arranged over the bottom member 23. The end flaps l5 and I! are then arranged in the compartment closing position and to facilitate the closure of the device a plurality of hooks 22 are arranged along the marginal edges of the end flaps. These hooks 22 are adapted to engage the legs of the arched supports and maintainthe end flaps l5 and 11 in position while the side flaps are being arranged in position "and during manipulation of the sliders 19 to provide complete closure of the device. The hooks 22 are accordingly formed as spring clips so as to grip the supports 20 with suflicient friction to remain in attached positions on the members 20. The hooks 22 further prevent dislocation of the end flaps relative to the arched supports and inasmuch as the side flaps are joined to the edges of the end flaps the hooks 22 further maintain the arched members 20 in a position within the enclosure. The hooks 22 further maintain the end, flaps l5 and I] in position to be supported by the arched members 20 when one of theside fiaps is opened. It will be apparent. therefore that when the sliders l9 ofvthe hookless fastener are moved to the-position at the top of the assembly a canopy-like netting will be provided over the bottom member as shown in Fig. 1. If desired, one or more of the sliders 19 may be arranged for actuation from the interior of the compartment. Theresilient characteristics of the supports 20 serve the further purpose of tensioning the flaps to draw the screening material taut. The resilient straps 20 also provide tensionv 0n the bottom member and thereby maintain its developed shape without depending upon the mattress for I this purpose. Thus the device when erected may be .moved from one place to another without dismantling theassembly since the entire screen netting is under tension and will not readily collapse.

The supporting arrangement for the canopy may include an intermediate arched member 20a.

This arched member may likewise be formed of spring steel or any suitable resilient material and is of such a length as to curve upwardlyfrom one side of the bottom member and lie adjacent the intersection of the arched members 20, and thereafter curve downwardly to the. other side of the bottomv member. A pair of sockets 2| are provided for the lower endsof the arched member 20a. Thesesocket membersare alsoprovided with recesses within which the ends ofthe archedstrap 200. are snugly; nestled. The arched member 20a provides additional support-forthe side flaps [l4 and-l6." and further resiliently tensions the screen or netting.

. The resilient arched supports 20 and20a, are shown in Figs. 1 and 2 as being formed of con- .tinuous straps for the purpose ofclearly illustrating the general organizationof the apparatus with reference to the screen assembly.. The arch supports may beformed of relatively, short sec- Qtions. 2% which are hinged to. each other: by

means of a pin 24 as shown in Fig.5. Theends of the hinge sections are provided with lugs and indentations representedgenerally at 25 so as to releasably maintain the sections-20b in aligned positions during use. The feature of. forming the arched support of hinged sections is for the I purpose of permittingthese sections to be folded into a compact assembly and thereby wrapped entirely within the roll when the' device is. dismounted and rol-ledinla' compact manner {for storage or transportation.

1 amnnis 1.5 When it is desired to- -dismantle therdevicewthe sliders |9- are retracted to the positions: at the corners of the bottom membern -andthe arched supports may then be readily removed fromthe sockets 2 I. When the arched supports are-formed of hinged sections as illustrated in- Fig.6, these folded members i may be arranged in along the bottom member after the mattress is *removed and parallel with theslats I2. The end flaps and I! may then be folded over the bottom member.

and the side flaps l4 and lG" may likewise be; folded over the bottom member. This folding operation is facilitated when plasticscreen forms the netting material. Thereafter the entire device may be rolled into a compact bundle-asshownin Fig. 6 and this operationisfacilitatedby'thearrangement of the slats I2:

A modification is illustratedin Fign'lwherein bounding edges of the side flapsQiIE aresemi ci-rcular and the end flapsZI and ,28yhave substan- \tially parallel side edges. In this ,form'of the invention the end flaps 21 and are detachably joined to each otherat the top of the compart- .ment by hookless slide fastener assembly; The

side edges of the end flaps are detachably joined to the curved edges of the sideflaps 26 by means of slide fastener assemblies 29. The arched supports for the, canopy inthis form'of the invention are not arranged ,diagonallywof the bottom member but extendupwardly from one. corner down-- and conveniently transportedtoremote locations .45

for protection from disease-carrying flies and mosquitoes. While; the 'in-ventiomhas been described with reference to specific structuraldetails, it is understood that-the arrangements are capable of various modifications. It .willhbe un-.

derstood therefore that changes in the construction and arrangement of the parts andmatelials may be made without departing fromythespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device of the character described comprising, a substantially rectangular shaped insectproof netting bottom member, a plurality of slats arranged transversely of the bottom member at spaced intervals lengthwise thereof, end flaps of insect-proof netting and side flaps of insect-proof netting joining the bottom member, arched members extending upwardly from the corners of the bottom member and supported by said slats, and slide fasteners joining the edges of the side flaps with edges of the end flaps.

2. A device of the character described comprising, an insect-proof netting of elongated shape providing a bottom member, a flap carried by each end of the bottom member formed of insect-proof netting, a flap carried by each side of the bottom member formed of insect-proof netting, a support extending from one corner of the bottom member and arching to another corner of the bottom member, a second support extending from a third cornen'of the bottommemben-andarching tothe fourth-corner ot the'bottommembe-r; said end flaps andiside flaps terminatingv in edgesfollowing r the arch-i of said supports, and--'slide fasteners joining the; contiguous edges ig the side flaps and he "end' flaps 3: Ant insect excludingwcompartment comprising, a substantially nrectangular shaped ebottom member formed oi insect proofvnettingy aplurality or slats arrangedtransversely :ofthabottom member and secured thereto at spaced intervals; lengthwise: thereofriiaps of "insect-proof netting carried' by eaeh endaportion of the bottom member,- eachof said flaps having a-rcuate shaped edges converging towards-reach:othery fiaps carriedbyeachside of the bottom member; said-side flapseach having arc-uate-"shaped Jedges converg- -ingtowardseachother, a resilient strap supported 1 by one on said slats -at a =ccrner--of-the bottom member extendingnpwardly therefromanddownwardly andsupported by-one on'saidslats at the i other endof the bottom member andat an opposite cornen thereof; a second resilient-strapsupported-byone of the slats-at the-third corner of the bottom member -extendingrvupwardly therer from and downwardlyandsupported by a' slat at the fourth cornerrof the bottom memberyslide fasteners joining the-edges of the side flaps with the edges of the end fiapspand saidiastenersextending along the resilient straps.-

4;" An insect "and reptile, excluding compartmentcomprising; asubstantially"rectangular shaped screen forminga bottomfor the compartment, a support arching from one cornerjotthe bottom to a diagonally opposite corner, asecond support arching from-another corner of the bottom to a diagonally opposite, cornea, ascreenflap mtegraL with one end of, the ,bottom. having ,ar-

- cuate converging edges ,corresponding to, the

curvature of said supports, a second screen ,flap integral with the, other. end. ofgjbuttomhaving arcuate converging edges .correspondingito. the curvatur of, said supports, .a third screenflapin- .tegral withlone side of. the bottom having. arcuate converging edges corresponding .to. the curvature of said supports, ,afourthscreen flanintegral with the other side of. thebottom having arcuate converging edges. .eorrespendin a to, the .curvature .of said supports, and .means. releasably securing; the

.edgesyof; tneend screen flap to theledges of the side screen-flaps. abovedand. along ,said arched supports to, form ascreenlenclosure over the .bot-

-.tom..

5. An insect and reptile excluding compartment comprising, a substantially" rectangular shaped screen forming a bottom for the compartment, a support arching from one corner of the bottom to a diagonally opposite corner, a second support arching from another corner of the bottom to a diagonally opposite corner, a screen flap integral with one end of the bottom having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curvature of said supports, a second screen flap integral with the other end of bottom having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curvature of said supports, a third screen flap integral with one side of the bottom having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curveture of said supports, a fourth screen flap integral with the other side of the bottom having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curvature of said supports, means releasably securing the edges of the end screen flaps to the edges of the side screen flaps above and along said arched supports to form closed screen com l ment comprising, shaped screen forming a bottom for the compart- 1 6. An insect and reptile excluding comparta substantially rectangular ment, a support arching from one corner of the ture of said supports, a second end screen flap attached to the bottom screen having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curvature of said supports, 3,:2Sid6 screen flap attached to T the bottom screen :having arcuateconverging edges corresponding to-the curvature of said supports, a second side screen :flap attached to the a bottom screen having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curvature of saidsupports, ,2 means releasably securing the edges of the end flexible substantially rectangular shape bottom member includinga pluralit of transversely arranged slats spaced at intervals lengthwise of bottom member, a socket carried by said slats,

M at each corner of the bottom member, an arched support extending from a socket at a first corner to asocket at thesecond end of the bottom member, another arched support extending from the socket at the other corner of the first end to the other socket at the second end of the bottom 7 'member,' flexible flaps carried by the sides of said bottom member, flexible flaps carried by the ends of saidbottorn member, and means for detachably securing edges of the end flaps to edges of the side flaps above said arched supports.

8. An insect excluding compartment comprising, a substantially rectangular shaped screen forming a bottom 'for the compartment; a support 7 arching from one corner of the bottom to a diag-,; 45

,onally opposite corner, a second support arching from another corner of the bottom to a diagonally opposite corner, an end screen flap secured to ports, asecond end screen flap secured to the bottom screen having arcuate converging edges corresponding to the curvature of said supports, a

side screen flap secured to the bottomscreenhav- 21a ingrarcuate converging edges corr'esponding to the -::cur.vature;,org-said supports, a second side screen diapssecuredxto the'ibottom sc een' aving rc r. converging: edges corresponding :tothe curvature 5', of said; supports; means releasably securing the edges of the endscreen flaps to the edges of the side screen flaps above, and along said arched P supports, and a-;transve1'searched support-arranged interrnediate the ends-of the bottom member 4 I a 9. A protective compartment comprising, a v. flexible substantially rectangular shape bottom member includinga plurality of transverselyarrangedslats spacedat intervalslengthwise of bottom member, a socket carried by said slats at-each corner ofthe bottom member, an arched supp rt extending from one of said sockets to a socket at a diagonally opposite corner of the bottom member, another'archedsupport extending from the 0 soc};et a i;"the 'otherfcorner of -.the first end to the other socket at thesecond end of the bottom member, fiex'ible-flaps'joining the sides of said bottom member flexible flaps joining at the ends [of said bottom membenand means for, detachably securing edges of the side fiaps, above said [arched supportsl. .,,10.,A protective co partment."comprising; a rectangular shaped bottomgmember, asocket at ieachucorner of thelbottomnmembfer, anvarched support extending from asocket at, one corner, of ,the bottom memberto afsocketatthe secondend of the bottom member, another farched support exteridinglfrom the; socket at the other corner-pf gthe' first end of the bottom mejmber. to thqo her socket'at the second end of the bottommember, fieizibleflaps attached to the ends of the bottom member, flexible flaps attached to the sides of the bottom member, andmeans for detachably securin d s th end fla s w d oft e de aps above said arched supports.

' l C I-I .Ul l CEY o'Po'rTER.

ani i'nmnons CITED The followinglreferenlces are of recordintthe file of this patent: 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 1,979,757 l, 'Nov. 125,, 1,913 "1,603,242 3 Nov. 23,1326 

